Osaka - Post Report Question and Answers
What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Many expats live in Kobe or nearby Kobe as the main international schools are on Rokko Island (Kobe) and big international businesses are in Kobe. Housing for expats is typically larger and more Western but still leaves a lot to be desired. It is hot and humid from May - September and in this region it is typically 90-100 F and 100% humid in July and August. Homes are not built very well and there are problems with mold and mildew. During World Expo 2025 it was challenging to find suitable housing for expats in Osaka. Even the expensive, "Western" apartments were small and disliked by many. Many people commute 1+ hour to work in Kansai. It can be a slog especially in the summer months with the heat and humidity; trains are very crowded during rush hour. You can get between north Osaka (Umeda) and Kobe (Sannomiya ) in 30 minutes on an express train. However, living in neighborhoods between those hubs or beyond them adds a lot of time. Getting to the international schools on Rokko Island is also not easy or quick. From Umeda to Rokko Island takes an hour. - May 2026
Housing is apartments provided by the consulate. There is a large compound with 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, as well as 3 stand alone houses. A few people live in apartments in Osaka or Kobe. I love my 3-bedroom apartment, but the kitchen is small and the a/c is mediocre. - May 2021
The housing compound in Nishinomiya is where many of the families from the consulate live. It is a lovely, quiet neighborhood with a river, great walking trails and hikes, convenient restaurants and grocery stores, and even an "Irish" bar nearby. However, it is at least 50 minutes door to door to the consulate, and with a young family this is a challenge.
The apartments are spacious by Japanese standards and it is easy to entertain at home or at the compound pool. Family size is more important than rank in terms of housing assignment. There are a handful of two bedroom apartments, several 3 bedroom apartments, and three large houses. There is also a community garden and a park nearby, which is very convenient for pets.
The commute is worth an additional paragraph to describe in detail. There are two options at present: self-drive shuttle and the train. The shuttle takes 45 minutes or fewer in the morning and 50 minutes to an hour in the evening. The train is another, more flexible option. It takes 10-15 minutes to walk to the station, 25-30 minutes on the train, and 10-15 minutes to walk to the office. So in total it is 45 minutes to an hour commute. A few of the single employees live downtown in small (1.5 or 2 bedroom) apartments that are walking or biking distance to the consulate. A few other employees live on Rokko island near the Canadian Academy. - Jul 2018
If you're USG, there's a housing compound in Nishinomiya, a 40-minute drive or 55-minute train ride to/from the office. Lots of expats live on Rokko Island in Kobe. - Oct 2013
The housing compound is one hour away by train from the Consulate, door-to-door. By van, it takes a little less time. - Aug 2006